$47K raised to help explosion victims
Organizers: Help for affected families is still needed
Efforts to help the victims of the May 26 Hale Street home explosion continue to become more organized.
According to a statement issued by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, which donated $10,000 seed money to the effort, a committee of community stakeholders has formed to help connect those impacted by the Pottstown Hale Street explosion with community resources and support funds.
“The Pottstown Explosion Support Fund has currently raised over $47,000 to help meet the basic needs of affected residents, provide housing in the near term, and assist with long-term recovery,” according to John Robertson, a foundation spokesperson.
Killed in the explosion were Francine White, 67; Alana Wood, 13; Jeremiah White, 12; Nehemiah White, 10, and Tristan White, 8. Injured and hospitalized from the blast were Eugene White, 44, and Kristina Matuzsan, 32.
Additionally, many homes in the area were damaged and are not currently inhabitable. Some may even need to be torn down. This fund helps them as well.
To make a donation and learn more about the fund, visit pottstownfoundation.org/disasterfund. Checks may be made out to and mailed to TriCounty Community Network’s office at 724 N. Adams St., #203, Pottstown, PA 19464, with Pottstown Explosion Support Fund in the memo line.
The committee includes representatives from TriCounty Community Network, Pottstown School District, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, Genesis Housing, and Pottstown NAACP. Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick and state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-146th District, are also on the committee, which is led by Josh Park of Branch Life Church, who has experience providing leadership in the local response to the Ashwood Fire and Hurricane Ida.
In addition to fund distribution and support roles, the committee is working closely with residents, multiple agencies, and local officials to ensure open dialogue and multiple levels of on-the-ground assistance.
All the funds will be distributed to families that have been directly affected by the explosion. Fund decisions will be directed by committee members who reside in the borough with prioritization of housing for those who have been displaced. An initial distribution of funds will begin this week to the eight known families that have been displaced.
“As committee members work to quantify needs in order to ensure equitable distribution of funds, they appreciate all the support to date and encourage the community to consider supporting. Gift cards are appreciated, and agencies can adopt a family to provide basic needs support, such as toiletries and food, as they emerge in the weeks ahead,” Robertson said.
A contact has been established for those impacted to receive more information as well as those interested in supporting victims of the explosion.
For more information, email tcnpottstown@gmail.com or call 484-247-4688.
Mental health support is available from Creative Health Services at 484-941-0500; Creative Health has been on the ground providing counseling since the day of the tragic event. In both cases, mention Pottstown Explosion Support.
Other fundraising efforts continue as well, including a Pottstown School District fund that has raised $16,240 from 126 donors. Proceeds will primarily benefit the family that experienced tragic loss of life in the explosion.
A meeting with the Pottstown Ministerium took place on Wednesday, June 8, and the Pottstown Explosion Support Fund committee will continue to meet on a weekly basis to provide oversight of fund distribution and ensure there is a long-term case management plan in place for the community.